Since 1994 tenants' or residents' organisations have had the right to set up Tenant Management Organisations (TMOs) to take on the responsibility for the day-to-day management of their estates. There are over 250 TMOs in England.
The Right to Manage involves an Initial Feasibility Study to prepare for the setting up of a TMO. A ballot of tenants then takes place and, if they vote in favour, an Approved Agency will carry out a Full Feasibility Study to prepare the tenants' group for its chosen role in housing management. This process may take up to two years and will involve intensive training. At the end of the process tenants will be asked to vote on whether to proceed with the management agreement.
Some of the local housing services TMOs may be responsible for are: collecting rents and service charges; organising repairs and maintenance; and making sure that buildings are kept clean and tidy
Tenants don't have to do these tasks themselves: they can employ staff; use council housing staff, who may be seconded to the TMO; or employ a managing agent.
The council will still own the homes and remains the landlord but the TMO becomes a partner with the council in providing services to the local community. Council representatives can be invited on to the TMO committee.
The Communities and Local Government website provides information and advice on the Right to Manage - www.communities.gov.uk
For more information about the Right to Manage, or the many other ways to get involved in our services, email wnwhl.involvement@wnwhl.org.uk ring 0113 2143669 or write to Customer Involvement, Freepost, RRJX-TUHK-JKAA, Westfield Chambers, Lower Wortley Road, Leeds LS12 4PX